As a reminder, Google rolls out updates in stages, so that they can catch bugs and make sure the process isn’t destroying millions of devices. Assuming the updates go well, they begin to update additional batches of devices each day. But, if you have a .zip file directly from Google for your particular device, you can manually update in a couple of steps (without root).

Each time a new OTA update rolls out for the Nexus line, we have made it a habit of putting them all together for you in a simple list, along with instructions. With Lollipop, things haven’t changed. (more…)

Android 5.0 “Lollipop“ factory images are now available for the Nexus 5 (LRX21O), Nexus 7 (2012 WiFi, LRX21P), Nexus 7 (2013 WiFi, LRX21P), and the Nexus 10 (LRX21P). We also have a new set of images for the Nexus 9 (LRX21Q).

We are still waiting for the Nexus 6 images to appear, along with Nexus 4 and mobile versions of the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7. Those mobile versions could be a while, but we aren’t sure what’s up with the Nexus 4 and Nexus 6.

According to the official Android Twitter account, Android 5.0 “Lollipop” has begun rolling out to “most” Nexus devices. As was previously confirmed, the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013), and the Nexus 10 will all see the update to 5.0 (Google Play Edition devices too). (more…)

You are standing in a carrier store, staring at a mystery phone on a shelf that sits next to the Galaxy Note 4 and LG G3. Like those phones, it has top tier specs, including a 6-inch QHD display, Snapdragon 805 processor, 13MP camera with optical image stabilization, premium metal build, and is made by Motorola. It looks gorgeous and feels amazing in hand, even for a big device. Those other phones cost anywhere from $599 to $825 without a contract (depending on the carrier), or between $199 and $299 with one. After toying with all three phones for a few minutes, you decide that the mystery Motorola device might be the phone for you. So how much are you willing to pay for it? What if I told you that it was $649 without a contract? Would you be offended by that? (more…)

The Nexus 6 is by all means a beast in terms of next-gen specs. It has everything a next-gen flagship device would have – Snapdragon 805, Quad HD display, 13MP camera with OIS, 3GB RAM, up to 64GB of internal storage, a massive battery, and connectivity almost anywhere in the world. This might be the first time that we have seen a Nexus device arrive as the king of the hill, at least on paper. In the past, Nexus devices either seemed a processor behind or were missing a crucial spec or lacked something that other phones all seemed to have. That certainly isn’t the case this time around. (more…)

The new Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 from Google will of course feature Android 5.0 Lollipop, but anyone who still rocks any other Nexus device has been holding their breath, waiting to see if Google planned to shower them with updates as well.

Today, good news comes for owners of the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and any Google Play Edition device. Android 5.0 is confirmed for you in the coming weeks. (more…)

This morning, Google announced that screen mirroring via Chromecast is now in public beta and would be available via the Chromecast app over the coming days. If you own a Nexus, you can start casting immediately without the Chromecast app. Thanks to built-in “Cast Screen” support that you have likely seen show up from time to time over the last couple of months in your Quick Settings Panel, a separate app isn’t needed.

Once Google announced that Chromecast mirroring was live, I watched as the “Cast Screen” button on both my Nexus 5 (running Android L) and Nexus 4 (running Android 4.4.4) went live. With a simple tap on that button, a menu appeared with nearby Chromecasts that were available to cast to. Once tapped, I was immediately connected and began mirroring my phone’s display through Chromecast. (more…)

When developers work as a team, nothing is impossible. Merely weeks after the Android L developer preview released, a sprightly collective over at XDA has managed to build a working ROM based on the preview for the aging Nexus 4. (more…)

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